By Cecilia Nasmith
After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit announces the return of reduced-cost rabies-vaccination clinics on Oct. 1 to provide a dose of protection for pets.
The health unit is teaming up with veterinarians in Brighton, Campbellford and Port Hope (as well as Fenelon Falls and Lindsay) to provide this service for the first time since the fall of 2019.
In Brighton, the location is the Presqu'ile Animal Hospital (46 Prince Edward St.) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last).
In Campbellford, take your pet to English Line Veterinary Services (527 Count Rd. 38) between 9 a.m. and noon.
In Port Hope, there are two locations. The services is offered at the Ganaraska Animal Clinic (146 Rose Glen Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Dale Veterinary Clinic (121 Toronto Rd., Unit 131) from 2 to 5 p.m. (note – at this location, registration starts at 1:30 p.m.).
Otherwise, no appointment is needed for your pet's shot, and the cost is $40 per animal (cash only).
Pet owners are urged to keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and also to bring proof of their pet's most recent rabies vaccination (if possible). COVID-19 precautions will be in place, with masks required indoors and recommended if unable to physically distance. Everyone is asked to follow the standard COVID-19 protocols (and anyone feeling unwell should stay home).
Please note that the services does not include an examination of pets. Owners will need to schedule a separate appointment with their vet to have their pets fully screened.
HKPR Manager of Health Protection Richard Ovcharovich recommends this service for pet owners facing financial challenges.
“Rabies is fatal, so getting pets vaccinated is an important part of caring for animals and being a responsible pet owner,” Ovcharovich said in the press release.
“By vaccinating your four-legged friend, you are also protecting the health of your family and loved ones.”
The timing of the Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic comes a few days after Sept. 28, World Rabies Day. This global event is meant to highlight the importance of rabies vaccination to protect both pets and people.
“It's a timely reminder that we need to be vigilant against rabies, especially if we encounter wild animals or come into contact with unvaccinated pets like dogs and cats,” Ovcharovich said.
Rabies can be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, lick or scratch. In each of the past three years, the health unit has investigated more than 600 such incidents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
